Sober Guys is a Fresno-based company which aims to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road. The recent death of 7-year old Donovan Maldonado deeply touched the owner and his employees.“This was something that obviously could have been prevented,” said Chris Bessinger of Sober Guys Inc.
Police say D.U.I. played a role in the wreck at a crosswalk near Shepherd and Millbrook in Fresno, so Sober Guys felt compelled to get involved with helping the Maldonado family.
The company made an initial $500 donation to the family's account and plans to chip in $5 from each ride they give in the month of August.
“I think it's a great thing they've got going on because I ride my bike all the time, sometimes pulling my son in the cart, so that's a big deal,” said John Launer, a father and bike rider.
“It’s actually the start of a few things we want to do. We want to get more involved in the community and hopefully for better reasons,” said Bessinger.
Meanwhile, Clovis West's football program is also stepping up fundraising efforts to try and honor Donovan, a former pee-wee running back.
“He’s just part of the Clovis West family and everyone is just playing for each other as part of the team,” said Mitchell Francis, a Clovis West Fullback and Linebacker.
Coach Mike Parsons decided to extend an open invitation to all local youth football organizations with their registration fees going to the Maldonados.
“This is something small we can do to help hopefully. It's not a lot but it's a piece of the puzzle when they're all trying to put it back together,” said coach Mike Parsons of Clovis West.
In other fundraising news, Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment Center in Fresno is hosting a yard sale Sunday, August 5th. Every cent collected will be turned back to the Maldonado family. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
